Editor's note: We are proud to bring you this joint project between the Norwalk YMCA and The Hour. Through the months of July and August students from the YMCA will be researching the day in history by using The Hour's archives, and bring to you what they feel are some of the most important moments. Each week day three items will be chosen by the students to focus on. The items chosen to discuss are the student's and the language they discuss it in is their own. The project's goal is to bring a greater appreciation for Norwalk's history and the pursuit of journalism in our community.

Today is July 9


16 years ago on July 9, 1996, the largest and priciest free agent market in NBA history opened for business. Hall of Famers Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, Dennis Rodman, and well over 100 other players were allowed to listen to offers from teams wishing to pick-up the phone and make bids.

The NBA general managers were waiting for a time when multiple free agents were up for grabs, and lucky for them, that time finally came. Surprisingly, superstars like Jordan, over 20 years ago, asked for a minimum of $18 million to stay a Chicago Bull while today it is not uncommon to see players cashing in $20 million per season. - Adeio Cantey


94 years ago in 1918, Nashville, Tenn. witnessed a major train wreck that killed 101 people and injured 171. It was the deadliest accidental train wreck in US history to date.

This tragedy occurred due to human error and lax enforcement of operating rules. This major accident highly affected regulations, one of the biggest being train passenger cars were switched from wood and steel to only steel. Norwalk's two vital commuter train stations, East Norwalk and SoNo, are made safer today because of the regulations resulting from this tragedy. - Roggerd Quiroga


Looking back 63 years on July 9, 1943, the United States was in the middle of World War II. The U.S. Armed forces captured and dominated the island of Sicily, Italy.

The bombardment of Sicily lead to the destruction of railroads, radio stations, and troops, leading Allied forces to the war's most significant accomplishment and America closer to victory known as "Operation Husky."

Today's "War on Terror" is similar to "Operation Husky" because it proves that the U.S. thrives under pressure during crucial situations. The capture of Osama Bin Laden and our security, within our own borders, has put a good reputation in America's name. - Roggerd Quiroga